Numerical Simulation on the Static Torque Performance of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Different Blade Airfoils

Abstract:

Recently, the straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbine (SB-VAWT) receives more and more attentions for its simple design, low cost, and good maintenance. The torque performance of the SB-VAWT is greatly affected by the blade airfoil. In order to research the static torque characteristics of SB-VAWT with symmetrical and non-symmetrical blade airfoil, numerical simulations by 2D CFD method were carried out on three kinds of blade airfoils including NACA0018, NACA2418 and NACA4418 at different azimuth angles. Furthermore, the static torque coefficient of the SB-VAWT with four blades with the three kinds of blade airfoils was calculated. The pressure and velocity fields were also obtained to analyze the static torque performance. Based on these results, the effects of blade airfoils on the starting torque performance of the SB-VAWT were compared and discussed.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 84-85)
• Pages: 702-705
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.84-85.702
• Online since: August 2011
• Authors: Yan Li, Fang Feng, Wen Qiang Tian, Kotaro Tagawa
• Keywords: Blade Airfoil, Flow Field, Numerical Simulation, Static Torque, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

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